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9,450 restaurants closed in U.S. last year, report says

There are 9,450 fewer restaurants in the U.S. than there were last year, according to a report released Tuesday.

Of those, 8,650 were independent restaurants, which took their steepest dive since market research company The NPD Group began its tally in 2001.

Although chain restaurants stayed relatively stable, companies such as Koo Koo Roo began scaling back their presence in Southern California because of money troubles.

"A volatile economy, more frugal consumers and a lack of financial backing have made it a difficult business environment for independent restaurants," Greg Starzynski, director of product development -– food service for NPD, said in a statement.

The study, conducted from April 1, 2010, through March 31, found that 3,495 quick-service restaurants had closed and 5,965 full-service locations were shuttered.